March 3rd, 2008

Jim and I have spent the day touring the Foundation Ninos del Arco
Iris. It is absolutely beautifully built, a real piece of art, using
round stones for all the baseboards and custom metal work of a sun and
moon everwhere. It is by far the most gorgeous and most expensive
place that we have stayed. We came because 100 percent of funds from
room rentals goes into the Foundation, and we're now reaping the
benefits of a beautiful place. We were both very happy that the
gorgious compound is not just for us gringos but it is to show the
hundreds of poor kids that come each day here that it is possible to
build beauty with all native materials.

After seeing the hotel reception classes, electricity, woodworking,
computer and sewing for the older students, I sat down to paint.
Almost immediately I was surrounded by kids. Thankfully art transends
the language barrier because I spent the rest of the day doing
sketches of kids and giving them to them. Of course they love the
tiny paint box and the tiny water bottle and collapsible brush! I
still had cards of a painting of my three kids when they were young
,Singing in the Rain, and that is a terrific give away for these South
American kids.

The little kids start their time here with a shower and then a lunch
and then the learning begins. It is quite regimented but that does
keep things moving smoothly and also there are allot of skills like
being clean, tidy, polite and on time that aren't neccessarily part of
these children's lives. If they are to escape a live of severe
poverty then perhaps these skills will be a real help in making a good
impression and keeping a job.